Best Lightweight Stroller

Still confused which is the best lightweight stroller for your baby? Don’t worry because most, if not all, mothers, especially first-time moms, have the same dilemma. With so many options available, it really gets overwhelming to choose the best, especially when the safety and comfort of your baby is at hand.

Actually, choosing shouldn’t be that hard if there is something to guide you through in making decisions. This is where researching and reading buyer’s guide come in very handy. Buyer’s guides aim to help moms find the best lightweight stroller while taking into consideration the features that are suitable for mom and baby’s needs. So, before going out to shop for one, read first to find out how the best lightweight stroller may meet all your needs.

The Best Lightweight Strollers of 2017

Best Umbrella Type Stroller: Cosco Character Umbrella Stroller

Have a worry-free travel with your kid using the Cosco Character Umbrella Stroller. It is lightweight and compact which makes it perfect to take along anywhere you go. Enjoy a stroll in the park or do errands even with your child. Fold and store it easily when not used. Plus, the kids will surely love riding with it with the very fun and attractive character designs.

Pros

Cons

Tall parents need to bend a little to reach the handle

No canopy included

The lock mechanism when folded can be improved

Conclusion

The Cosco Umbrella Stroller delivers as expected. It is lightweight and very compact. This is the ideal stroller when traveling, even when riding planes. It is also a great everyday stroller when walking around the park or doing some errands.

However, tall parents will find it uncomfortable to push around because the handles are a bit short. There is also no canopy included, but there are other models available with a canopy if you really need one. Overall, this is the cheapest option if you want a lightweight stroller with basic features.

Best Car Seat Frame Stroller: Chicco Keyfit Caddy Stroller Frame

The Chicco Keyfit Caddy Stroller is specifically designed for the best-selling Chicco infant car seat carrier. Featuring a premium anodized aluminum frame material, the stroller frame is ultra light and very easy to fold with the one-hand fold mechanism. This stroller frame together with an infant car seat is the lighter alternative to a full-featured travel system.

Pros

Have nice-to-have features like cup holders, storage basket, and adjustable handles

Sturdy frame

Easy snap system that is perfect for Chicco car seat

Cons

A bit pricey

Not a smooth ride for long walks

Conclusion

Skip the bulky travel system strollers and go for a lighter option. It is lightweight, compact and very easy to set-up. However, you’ll need to buy a compatible car seat for this, specifically Chicco car seats.

Also, since this is frame only stroller, you need to buy another type of stroller that will suit your lifestyle when the baby outgrows the car seat. The car seat frame itself is expensive and buying a car seat and another type of stroller makes it even more expensive to invest in this type of lightweight stroller.

Best Convenience Stroller: Summer Infant 3Dlite Convenience Stroller

The Summer Infant 3Dlite convenience stroller uses air-light aluminum frame material which makes it extra lightweight to push and carry. It is durable and sturdy enough that could last for years of use. The Summer Infant 3Dlite stroller is your mini version a full stroller with loads of features parents will definitely love.

Pros

Seats recline to a sleeping position which makes it more comfortable for babies during longer trips

It has a small storage bun under it

Can be used for babies younger than 6 months

Perfect for travel

Easy to pack

Cons

The sun visor should be removed before folding the stroller

Sun visor not enough to protect kid from the sun

The front wheels make it hard to navigate in steep roads

Conclusion

This is a greatly priced stroller that is easy to use. Bigger compared to umbrella type strollers but still lightweight and compact. With more features like storage, cup holder, and visor, this probably is the all-in-one lightweight stroller for parents.

What Exactly Is A Lightweight Stroller?

As the name implies, this type of stroller is lightweight. The material of the frame is usually made of aluminum which makes it light, ranging from 15 pounds or less. It’s almost half the weight of most standard full strollers that are too bulky. Other top of the line lightweight strollers uses even lighter material like graphite and ultra light aluminum; as if 15 pounds isn’t lightweight already.

By prioritizing the weight, some features are removed compared to a full stroller. It still has the basic features of a stroller, like a safety harness, canopy, and folding mechanism, so there is really nothing much to expect.

Best Features

Easy To Fold And Pack

The best feature of this type of stroller that appeals to most moms is how easy it is to fold and pack. The one-hand self-standing fold, as they call it, allows moms to effortlessly pack the stroller with just one hand while the other hand carries the baby. Believe it or not, only moms would understand how important it is to free one hand at all times.

Compact

Got small space? No worries because lightweight strollers are so compact that they occupy a very small space in the car trunk! This means more stuff to bring on road trips. Also, they are so compact you can even hand carry them when riding the plane when most of the time airlines ask parents to check in their strollers.

Easy To Use Harness

Believe it or not, securing a baby in a harness can be very tricky, especially if the baby is fuzzy. Just imagine how frustrating it is to calm a baby and yourself while in panic figuring out something that looks so easy to use. First-time parents might find this situation overwhelming. Thus, an easy-to-use harness is a big bonus for parents.

Inexpensive

Now, this is what parents want to know! A decent lightweight stroller is sold for as low as $15! Yes, it is that cheap. If you are lucky enough, you can even score lightweight strollers for as little as $10.

But don’t get too excited to buy the first stroller with the cheapest price. Cheaper models tend to be less comfortable and not built to last. Examine the item very well before purchasing. Spend an extra to get a better quality item.

Nice To Have Features

The comfort of both parents and babies should be considered when buying strollers. So, it is just reasonable for parents to want to have some features included to make it more comfortable to push their babies around in the stroller. Spending extra for these nice-to-have features will be very beneficial.

Reclining Seat

Most strollers of this kind do not have a reclining seat. This makes it not ideal for new born babies. The suggested age is 6 months and up, or when the baby can sit unsupported. However, there are other brands with a reclining seat feature but are more expensive compared to basic lightweight strollers.

Adjustable Handles

Strollers usually have fixed handles. Parents with average height won’t have any problem with this because the height of handles is designed for them. However, tall parents, those who are 5’7” or taller, will want to have the handles adjustable. Most tall parents complain that they need to bend down to reach the handle. Just imagine how uncomfortable it is to be in this position for hours.

Small Storage

No one wants to walk around pushing a 15-pound stroller carrying a 30-pound baby while carrying other items that are equally heavy. Unfortunately, this is a scenario for most parents who needs to run errands but can’t leave their babies behind. So a small storage space at the bottom of the stroller is not too much to ask.

Cup/Drink Holder

This nice-to-have feature is not just for the baby but for the parent too. Parents get thirsty too while strolling. A small cup holder on the side of the handle would be nice.

What to Consider When Buying A Lightweight Stroller

Is a lightweight stroller really what you need? Sometimes we think that it is what we need without really considering key factors when buying. Take note that a stroller is an essential item that you and your baby will use for years. So take the time to take note of these key factors to consider when choosing the best lightweight stroller for you and your child.

Function

Yes, a stroller is basically used to carry a child when going out, but the different types of stroller available have key features dedicated to catering the different needs of every parent. So consider how the stroller will be used. Will it be used for everyday errands or stroll in the mall? Or will it be used occasionally when just going out of town?

If for everyday use, like bringing it to the mall, invest in a slim and compact stroller with storage. This makes it easy to navigate around crowded areas. Check also the stroller seat if it is comfortable enough for the baby to sit there for hours.

Quality

Strollers are the most used baby item so be very keen on checking the quality before buying. The most important thing to check is the stroller frame. Is it sturdy and stable? Most lightweight strollers use aluminum frames, so check if it is stable enough. Shake the stroller if needed just to see if it is stable.

Check also the tire type. Lightweight strollers have plastic tires and are usually smaller in size compared to full strollers. Test the tires won’t easily break.

Also, consider the material used for the stroller seat. Is the material breathable? Is the seat padded with firm support? Choose a stroller with removable washable seat pads. Spills happen a lot so a machine washable seat is a must!

Safety

Before buying the stroller that looks cute and has nice features, check if it is safety tested. A 5-point safety harness is preferred, though lightweight strollers normally only have a 3-point safety harness. This means that the baby is secured with wraps around the waist and in between legs. The 5-point safety harness has shoulder straps are included.

Check if the harness buckles are secure and if they are easy to unhook. The frame should also lock in position. Examine the stroller for any sharp edges. Make sure to check the user manual to make that the baby’s weight is within the weight recommendations issued by the manufacturer.

Look for JPMA ( Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association) seal to make sure that the stroller passed safety standards. Also, make it a point to verify if the stroller is not recalled. The Baby Center Product Recall Finderis very useful.

Price Range

The most important consideration when buying, the cost of the item. A simple lightweight stroller costs as little as $15 while high-end models can cost up to $180. How much you want to spend depends on the extra features you want to have. Spend extra to get a better quality and more comfortable stroller. But the $15 stroller is already decent for a lightweight stroller.

Types of Lightweight Strollers

a) Umbrella Type

Basically, the umbrella type is the most inexpensive type of stroller out in the market. This type of stroller is easily distinguished by its handle which looks like that of an umbrella, thus the name umbrella stroller. It is a decent stroller to carry a baby weighing 40 lbs.

Best Features

The most appealing feature of umbrella strollers is its weight. Made from an aluminum frame, these strollers usually weigh less than 15 lbs. It is compact that it fits easily in the trunk of a car.

However, not much feature is included. Standard umbrella type strollers don’t have extendable handles, no canopy, and no cup holders. Other brands have these nice-to-have features but are more expensive.

Recommended Age

This type of stroller is recommended for babies 6 months up to 4 years. Since seats have no recline and not padded, this should only be used for babies with strong head and back support and can sit on their own.

Price Range

For those looking for lightweight and compact stroller with just the basic features, this is the perfect option. Umbrella type usually costs $15-$180, the expensive ones having more features like a canopy, cup holder, and reclining seat.

b) Car Seat Frame Strollers

A lighter alternative to travel system strollers, car seat frame strollers are very lightweight and folds easily. This type of stroller is perfect for parents who own baby car seats. Transfer the baby from car to a stroller with ease. No need to disturb a soundly sleeping baby in a car seat when you need to get out of the car. Just carry the car seat and put it in this car frame stroller.

However, since this is a frame-only stroller, parents need to buy a car seat to use it and eventually buy another type of stroller when the baby outgrows the car seat.

Best Features

This is a great choice if you need a complete travel system stroller less the bulk. It is compact and lightweight, yet has ample space to put in a baby car seat. Imagine a shopping cart but lighter and more compact.

It is nice to stroll around with this because the baby is facing towards you. This allows more parent-baby interaction while strolling. Such stroller also has a cup holder and storage included, just like that of full strollers.

Recommended Age

This is ideal for infants up to 1 year old who uses car seats.

Price Range

Car seat frame strollers usually cost $60 to $100.

c) Convenience Stroller

If you want a lightweight stroller but can’t live without the features of a full stroller, consider buying a convenience stroller. This is the mini version of a full stroller. It has more features compared to the other two types mentioned earlier.

Best Features

It is lightweight and compact yet packed with features. And it is cheaper compared to full strollers. It has storage, canopy, cup holder, and a reclining seat. Yes, all these nice to have feature but less the bulk.

Recommended Age

Though it has reclining seats, convenience stroller is recommended for babies 6 months and up.

Price Range

Convenience strollers can cost as low as $40 and as high as $400.

Brands

There are lots of lightweight stroller brands to choose from. Some of the popular brands with best selling lightweight strollers include:

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About Me

Hi there! I'm Kelly, a mother of two rambunctious and fun kids under 5 years old. I made this website because I did crazy amounts of research for all the things we had to buy for the kids (I'm a total planner) and it seemed ridiculous for everyone else to have to do the same. Hopefully our site helps save you time when deciding on safe, high-quality products to help build a great home for your little ones!